The Indian Army and Air Force are set to receive a significant boost with the acquisition of 156 Prachand attack helicopters. The Ministry of Defence has placed an order with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 90 helicopters for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. This move, marked by the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP), is expected to enhance the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense sector.
Prachand Helicopter: A Game Changer in High Altitude Warfare
Prachand is renowned for its unique capability to take off and land at altitudes as high as 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making it the only helicopter in the world with this capability. This makes it an invaluable asset for operations in high-altitude regions like the Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. Equipped with air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, the Prachand is a formidable force in combat scenarios.
Boosting India’s Defense Capabilities
The inclusion of these 156 Prachand attack helicopters is a strategic move to strengthen India’s defense against threats from neighboring countries like China and Pakistan. The Indian Air Force currently has ten Prachand helicopters stationed at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has five in its arsenal. Increasing the number of these helicopters will significantly enhance India’s ability to prevent terrorist infiltrations and conduct high-altitude operations.
Specifications of the Prachand Helicopter
- Seating Capacity: Two people
- Length: 51.10 feet
- Height: 15.5 feet
- Weight: 5800 kg
- Weapon Capacity: Can carry 700 kg of weapons
- Maximum Speed: 268 km/h
- Flight Duration: Can fly continuously for three hours and ten minutes
- Range: 550 kilometers when armed
- Altitude: Can take off with full weapon load at 16,400 feet
- Armament: Equipped with a 20 mm cannon and can carry four rockets, missiles, and bombs
- Construction: Features a glass cockpit and composite frame
Development and Testing
The need for such a helicopter was first felt during the Kargil War, leading to accelerated development. The Prachand has been tested rigorously at altitudes up to 16,000 feet, in dense forests, and desert climates, proving its robustness and reliability. These helicopters are set to replace the aging Russian Mi-35 and Mi-25 helicopters, with some squadrons already being replaced by AH-64E Apache helicopters.
HAL’s Announcement
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) about the RFP for these 156 helicopters. The company secretary provided detailed information about the proposal in a letter to the BSE.
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Positive Takeaway
The acquisition of the Prachand helicopters marks a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities, especially in high-altitude warfare. With its superior specifications and robust design, the Prachand is set to play a critical role in bolstering the Indian Army and Air Force’s operational readiness and strategic strength. The ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense sector receives a substantial boost, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance and technological prowess in military aviation.
